The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone F South East Chapter has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the Nigerian student community, citing recent initiatives such as the approval of CNG buses for students nationwide and the introduction of student loans aimed at reducing dropout rates due to financial challenges.
In a press briefing in Awka, Anambra State on Wednesday, the Southeast Coordinator of NANS Zone F, Comrade Charles Ijeomah, urged the President to appoint a qualified candidate as the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko in Anambra State. He emphasized that such an appointment would foster improved academic performance and enhance peace within the institution.
“We appeal to the President to select the best person for the position of Rector so that Federal Polytechnic Oko can maintain its status as a leading institution,” Ijeomah stated while flanked by other NANS executives.
He expressed gratitude to the National President of NANS, Lucky Omoneye, for his commitment to revitalizing the association to better advocate for student interests. Ijeomah also acknowledged the appointment of Bianca Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, thanking President Tinubu for this recognition.
In addition, he commended NANS Senate President Akinteye Afeez for his efforts to promote the welfare of Nigerian students and praised the Senior Special Adviser to the President on student engagement, Sunday Asheton, for his continuous support.
Ijeomah also drew attention to the deteriorating state of roads in the southeast region, which has resulted in accidents and security issues for students. He called for federal intervention to address these challenges and urged southeast governors to revitalize NANS transportation schemes to enhance accessibility and safety for students.
While commending Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Ijeomah highlighted the governor’s significant contributions to education and infrastructure, including the provision of free education from nursery to secondary level and comprehensive healthcare for pregnant women. He further appealed for a reduction in taxes imposed on NANS bus drivers to lower transportation costs for students.
“Governor Soludo is a digital leader who has introduced commendable transport initiatives; however, exemptions for students are essential. We urge him to reconsider transportation policies that directly affect us,” he added.
Ijeomah also praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his achievements in infrastructure and education. He also congratulated the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Professor Okeudo, the pro-Chancellor and governing council members for their efforts.
He thanked Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for providing a conducive environment during NANS’s recent convention that led to the current leadership change.
In the same vein, Comrade Ernest Okafor, NANS National Director of Sports, reiterated the necessity for a review of taxes on student transportation.
“Our bus drivers are facing significant burdens, and we urge the state government to negotiate these taxes to alleviate the pressure on students,” he said.
The National Vice President of the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), Comrade Obi Christian, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the student loan initiative while encouraging students to actively participate in the program.
The NANS Zone F South East Chapter, representing Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo States, collectively appealed to President Tinubu for the timely appointment of a substantive Rector for Federal Polytechnic Oko, emphasizing the need for effective leadership in enhancing the educational landscape.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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